Posts Tagged "Istation"

A recent New York Times article titled Why Kids Can’t Write explores the reasons behind U.S. students’ poor writing skills. The article asserts that the root of writing problems lies with teachers, most of whom have not been trained in how to teach writing, and who are not confident writers themselves. The article goes on to cite specific efforts, such as the National Writing Project and The Writing Revolution, that are focused on training educators how to teach writing skills, as well as the research on effective writing instruction, which suggests a few concrete strategies. For example, students should learn to transcribe by hand and using a computer. Instruction should teach students to write strong sentences before introducing paragraphs. Students benefit when writing instruction integrates grammar, includes models of good writing, and provides frequent feedback about the students’ own writing.

At Learning List, we believe that high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials, including writing materials, are critical to teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. In our work this summer, we have reviewed several supplemental products that focus on teaching writing skills and preparing Texas students for the grade 4 STAAR Writing test. These products use different approaches, but each strives to improve students’ writing skills: [Read more…]

Learning List recently reviewed Istation’s supplemental reading and writing resources for grades K-8. Content is presented digitally and includes printable resources. The adaptive instructional program identifies and addresses gaps in learning and supports intervention at each Response to Intervention (RtI) tier. The highly visual program engages students with humorous, animated content that frequently addresses topics in science. Instruction is presented by animated characters in an engaging, game-like format that includes direct instruction and guided and independent practice.

Instruction is personalized and adaptive, and targets each student’s learning needs. Students complete the “Istation Indicator of Progress” (ISIP) at the beginning of the year and each month thereafter. Based on ISIP results, the program prescribes specific learning activities and the usage time needed to address individual learning gaps. As students move along individualized learning paths, instruction adapts, providing more or less challenging content based on student progress.

Students may practice reading skills using Istation’s library of books. The library has texts organized in 16 “Cycles” that range from PK-15. Cycles address particular Lexile ranges and some Cycles span grade levels. Generally speaking, lower Cycles (i.e., PK-11) address phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, while Upper Cycles (i.e., 12-15) present a variety of literary genres and build vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and word analysis skills. As students move through each Cycle, they encounter texts that increase in complexity.

About Istation*

[Source: Istation]

Istation (aka Imagination Station) is an award-winning, comprehensive e-learning program used by more than four million students and educators around the world.

Known for its accurate assessments, engaging curriculum, and trusted teacher tools, Istation helps students in prekindergarten-8th grade achieve academic growth.

Istation’s computer-adaptive assessments (known as ISIP™) immediately place students on personalized instructional paths unique to their needs. And our animated, game-like interface engages students so effectively that they don’t even realize they’re being evaluated.

Along with Istation’s highly interactive digital curriculum, teachers also have access to a library of thousands of lessons perfect for instructing small groups or an entire class. Comprehensive reports are immediately available for educators, administrators, and parents.